Inner-tube deflator



G. S. MELLOR.

INNER TUBE DEFLATOR. APPLICATION FILED 1u'n|:25.-192s.

Patented Nov; 8, 1921.

M e l l 0 r INVENTOR.

Georye S.

m. fWITN ss- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGES. MELLOR, OF PHILADELIPBIA, PENNSYLVANIA To all whom it may concern Beit knownthat I, GEORGE S. MELLoR, a

. citizen of the United States, residing at 1 specification;

This invention relates to tire deflators and it has more particular reference to means for deflating the pneumatic inner tubes of motor propelled vehicles, velocipedes and p the like whenever it becomes necessary to remove the outer cover for newal.

Heretofore it has been customary when deflating tires of the kind above referred to firstly to remove the valve cap or cover and to force and hold the valve stem downward by pressing a match stick, nail or other appropriate article thereon, which operat on necessitates considerable patience and 1nrepair or reconvenience.

Now the primary object of this invention is to provide a simple and efficient device for prompt engagement on the valve body and which is formed with an axially depending portion for engagement on and the retention of the valveproper away from its seat until the air is entirely exhausted. or escapes from the tire.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new article of manufacture for the purpose specified which is simple to construct, cheap to manufacture and effective in use.

With the foregoing objects in view my invention consists essentially of a spirally wound coil having an inherent degree of diametric retractability, said coil being provided at one end with a substantially axial depending limb and at its other end with a manipulating finger by means of which it can be promptly expanded for engagement over the outer end of the inflating valve and as promptly released therefrom.

In the further disclosure of the invention reference is to be had to the accompanying drawing constituting a part of this specification, and which illustrates in elevation one practical embodiment of said invention, a fragmentary portion of an ordinary tire valve being shown in dotted lines by way of better illustrating the function thereof.

Referring more particularly to the single View the numeral 10 designates a spirally Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 8, 1921.

Application filed June 25, 1921. Serial No. 480,434.

wounduor tubular spring made from piano wire or the like of appropriate gage to insure the requisite degree of retractability. This tubular spring 10 is of an inner diameter to snugly fit and grip the outer threaded peripheral surface of the screw-threaded valve body 11, and it will be seen that the lower free end thereof is bent to constitute a finger grip: or 'manipulating part 12 and it will be obvious to those acquainted with the art that by exerting pressure in an arcuate or tangential direction thereagainst that the tubular spring 10 may be diametrically expanded as desired. In other words, an easy means is provided whereby the tubular spring 10 can be expanded overon to the valve body 11, and just as promptly released therefrom.

The upper free end of the tubular spring 10 is extended to provide an arm or portion 13 in alinement with the peripheral surface thereof, and it is inwardly bent or angled at 14 and downwardly turned to furnish a substantially axial arm 15 which may be conveniently sheathed with a rubber tube 16.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that when the device 10 is applied to the valve body 11 as above set forth, a pressure downward thereon will cause the axial arm 15 to engage the valve stem 17 and thereby force the valve from its seat, while the rubber sheath 16 will prevent its lateral displacement in the valve neck 18. Still further it will be seen that due to the inherent retractability of the tubular spring 10 it will be firmly held on the valve body 11, and thereby automatically hold the valve stem and its attached valve away from the valve seat until the tire is deflated. When the tire is so deflated a slight pressure on the manipulating finger or part 12 will instantly release the tubular spring 10 from engagement on the valve body 11. Thus it will be clearly seen that by my invention I have provided an exceedingly simple and effective device for the purpose set forth, and I wish it understood that I do not limit myself to the precise form and proportions illustrated but deem myself at liberty to vary the size and shape thereof to adapt the invention to different styles and types of tube or tire inflating valves.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A deflator for tires comprising a spirally Wound tube of wire having a manipulating finger atone end whereby the diameter may be expanded, and an axially-1nturned part at the other end for engagement on the valve stem to hold said valve away 'a longitudinally extending part at the other 7 end of said spirally wound wire tube terminating in an axially inturned arm for engagement on the valve stem to hold the valve away from its seat.

3. A deflator forpneumatic tires consisting of a spirally wound'wire tubehaving an inherent degree of retraction and formed at one end with a manipulating finger whereby the diameter thereof may be expanded, a longitudinally extending part at the other end of said spirally wound wire tube terminating in an axially inturned arm for engagement on the valve stem to hold the valve away from its seat, and a rubber sheath on said axially inturned part.

4. As a new article of manufacture for deflating tires a spirally wound tube of wire having an inherent degree of retraction, a manipulating finger at one end of said spirally Wound tube of wire and an axially inturned arm at the other end thereof.

In testimony whereof I aflix my si nature.

GEORGE s. Marion. 

